ICON Behavior: Jami-lyn Fehr
Jul 25, 23
Meet Jami-lyn:
A native of Florida but now a pillar of the Nashville community, Jami-lyn began her career as a fashion curator and magazine editor in 2018 after securing a BFA in Fashion Merchandising. While working on her master of marketing at Vanderbilt University, she created the initial concept for her flagship store and brand MODISTE. Using her sharp eye for fashion, beauty, interior design, and Vogue magazine-featured photography skills, Jami-lyn birthed Nashville’s first independent and female-owned luxury clothing store with her eye set on expansion to London. She repeatedly sets the standard for her local and international fashion community and redefines what elegance and style mean in Tennessee's capital city. Her designs have earned her plaudits and praise from InStyle magazine for her elevated Berkeley Tee and her custom clothing can be seen on athletes and celebrities worldwide. Aside from her many accomplishments in fashion and business, she is one of the most kind and generous people you could ever meet. Ms. Fehr is more than gracious with her ideas and time as she exemplifies what it means to be a successful business owner, collaborator, and friend. Please sit down with a tin of her favorite shortbread cookies and enjoy our interview with our founder, Ms. Jami-lyn Fehr.
How do you start each morning?
I am such a morning person! I always wake up naturally some time between 5:30 and 6:30, and roll out of bed to make a latte (2 shots of espresso, a splash of sweet cream, and almond milk). I then cozy up in my favorite chair and read for an hour or two depending on the time before I start getting ready.
How would you describe your personal style?
Minimalist chic, maybe? I tend to switch things up a lot. However, a lot of my everyday outfits are based on comfort and confidence. I tend to feel the most confident in some sort of neutral cropped top, a loose bottom (whether it be shorts, a skirt or pants), and heels. This of course isn't for everyone, but it's what I feel the most comfortable in. Put me in anything pink (for the most part), and I couldn't be more uncomfortable. Only the occasional red, blue, and green can make me stray from neutrals.
What advice would you give someone struggling to find their style?
This goes back to what I said in the last answer regarding confidence. I really think it all boils down to what you feel the best in. Play around with different silhouettes and try and recall what you feel the most yourself in! I don't think you'll ever truly find it if you're constantly relying on what's trendy or "in-style."
Who are some of your favorite designers or brands? Why do you gravitate towards them?
I, of course, love all the brands we carry at the store. I find myself wearing tons of Acne Studios, Ami Paris and AREA. Acne denim is unparalleled for me. Ami Paris nods to the Parisienne chic always lean towards. AREA allows me to glitter for no apparent reason anywhere, anytime. For dresses, truly no one beats the silhouettes and femininity of Anna October. I'm going to beg her to make my wedding dress one day!
What is your favorite trend right now you can’t get enough of?
I am very into all things decorated with roses. We have a few pieces in store that fall under this category: The Rozalinda Mini Dress, the Blumarine Vest with Rose, the Jersey Top with 3D Rose, and the Slip Dress with Rose Decoration.
What is a piece in your closet you think everyone should own?
It's a cliche, but a "little black dress." We have a lot in the store, but my favorites are the Cross Back Slip Dress, the Los Angeles Ruffle Dress, and the Side Cut-Out Dress with Bow.
What is your favorite thing in your closet?
I have a vintage Kelly from 1958 in a deep brown box leather with gold hardware, and I'm not sure anything will ever come close to that. The slight wear and tear makes it all the more special, too!
What is something sitting in your cart that you’re waiting to pull the trigger on?
I've been wanting a piece from the jewelry brand, Foundrae, for a few years now. I absolutely adore their cigar band rings. I also recently got a sacred heart tattoo, and Dolce & Gabbana have some great vintage pieces that are adorned with sacred hearts and I want to add something to my wardrobe with the baroque motif eventually. Maybe I'll pull the trigger soon!
Go-to lip product?
For my daily look (even if I'm not wearing makeup), I try and pick a liner that's as close to my natural lip shade. Right now, it's Muted Mauve by Anastasia Beverly Hills, paired with a gloss of some sort. I'm a big fan of Rhode's Peptide Lip Treatment.
What is a style tip or hack you can share with us?
Designer shoes tend to have terrible support, and if you find yourself struggling with discomfort, even in a sneaker, there is no shame in replacing the factory insole with something more comfortable. You'd never know the Dior high-tops I wear all the time have a gel insole by Dr. Scholl's within them, but they do. I can wander any big city in these with no issue!
Tell us one fun fact about yourself that people might not know about you.
I grew up singing/dancing/acting! Before I switched to a BFA in Fashion Merchandising, I was pursuing a BFA in Musical Theatre. I still very much enjoy watching musicals, but I realized early in my degree it wasn't something I saw myself having a career in. I'm also about to start pursuing my MBA at Vanderbilt's Owen Graduate School of Management. I'm a little nervous about time management, but I'll make it work!
Who is your style icon?
We don't really have a similar style, but for me it's always been Blake Lively. Outside of being one of few celebrities that actually style themselves, I also really admire her as a person. She's incredibly charismatic, and like myself, she doesn't drink and is very open about it, which I respect greatly.
Favorite song right now.
I have been listening to Rollerblades by Dominic Fike nonstop!
Lastly, what is your favorite piece on MODISTE’s website at the moment?
We just started carrying one of my favorite accessory brands, Manu Atelier, and I am so thrilled. The Vanilla Mini Caique Bag has stolen my heart.
Shop Jami-lyn's looks here, #atMODISTE, and click here to shop her curated edit.
